Category: Reportage

Source: South Africa News Agency

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says the narrative which seeks to imply that government was slow to respond to the Listeriosis outbreak is incorrect.

Speaking in the National Assembly in Parliament on Thursday, the Minister said according to data analysis, the Listeriosis outbreak started in June 2017 and doctors at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital and Steve Biko Academic Hospital picked it up in July the following month.

“They could not have picked it up faster than that. The month of June, according to this analysis, is the month in which Listeria laboratories confirmed cases started differing substantially from the month-to-month figures of 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 itself,” he said.

The Minister at the weekend announced that the source of the outbreak, which has claimed 180 lives, was traced back to an Enterprise processing plant in Polokwane.

Addressing MPs on Thursday, the Minister said Listeriosis is a disease caused by a bacterium, not a virus.

“You get it when you ingest food contaminated with this bacterium. Listeriosis is widely found in nature. It can be found in soil, water, vegetation or faeces of some animals.

“From these sources, it can contaminate food from four different areas. One, from the food production site – that is the farms and the abattoirs – or from the food processing factories or from the food packaging sites or even from the food preparation at restaurant hotels or even in individual homes.”

The contaminated food gets into a person’s mouth and infection takes place.

This may result in three groups of symptoms or signs.

Firstly, patients may get flu-like symptoms – headaches, general body pains, sometimes vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach aches.

Secondly, patients may get infection of the blood stream. This is called septicaemia and it is deadly.

Thirdly, patients can get infection of the brain and the membrane covering the brain and the spinal cord, called meningitis.

“Although anyone of us can get Listeria, those who are found highly vulnerable are four groups of people – pregnant women because they don’t have a very strong immunity; newborns in the first 28 days of life because they get it from their mothers; elderly people above the age of 65; people with supressed immunity like people living with HIV and Aids, diabetes, cancer, chronic lung disease, chronic kidney disease, people on chemotherapy and people who have undergone transplants and are on immunosuppression therapy to avoid organ rejection.”

The Minister said the disease occurs annually in South Africa and that doctors typically see 60 to 80 patients per annum. This has been the case for the past 40 years.

“The disease is treatable with an antibiotic called ampicillin which is widely available in our health facilities, both public and private,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Minister said by 2 March 2018, the number of laboratory confirmed cases had reach 948. Of these 948, a total of 569 patients have been traced with 180 who had unfortunately died.

This constitutes 27% case fatalities. Of all countries that had had Listeria, the case fatality rate had always averaged 30%. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Gauteng Infrastructure Development MEC, Jacob Mamabolo, has called for law enforcement agencies to investigate and arrest those responsible for the vandalism of the Olievenhoutbosch clinic. The clinic was vandalised on Tuesday night, with damage caused by protesters who blockaded the R55 road with burning tyres.

“This act of vandali… See more

Source: South Africa News Agency

Environmental Affairs Minister, Dr Edna Molewa, says transformation of the biodiversity sector is a necessity in a changing world.

“This is more so in the context of South Africa, where policies of the past were exclusionary, thus depriving the majority of our people from actively participating in sectors of the economy,” Minister Molewa said.

Addressing the 3rd Biodiversity Economy Indaba (BEI) at the International Convention Centre in East London, Eastern Cape, she said it can’t be justified that the custodians of the genetic resources and equally the holders of traditional knowledge are treated as non-equals in the beneficiation of their resources. 

Minister Molewa said government has, in response to this anomaly, developed and implemented the National Biodiversity Economy Strategy, which aims to promote a new generation of partnerships between communities, industry and the public sector.

Minister Molewa said this was done to realise the access, fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources.

“In order to ensure a coherent approach in the implementation of this strategy, detailed plans at a three-feet level were developed through the Operation Phakisa Model, organised in the form of the Biodiversity Economy Lab.

“This was an intense process which focused on identifying quantifiable targets centred on transformation, sustainability and economic growth, as well as the associated initiatives meant to deliver big fast results for the Bio-prospecting, Wildlife and Coastal & Marine Tourism subsectors,” she said.

Minister Molewa said the country’s efforts in the bio-prospecting industry should create a sustainable, inclusive and commercially viable sector adding 10 000 new jobs and contributing R1.7 billion to GDP at 10% per annum by 2030.

In recent years, the biodiversity economy, which is an important contributor to job creation, has shown a constant annual growth of 6%.

The South African bio-prospecting sector encompasses organisations and people that are searching or collecting, harvesting and extracting living or dead indigenous specimens, or derivatives and genetic material for commercial and industrial purposes.

The 3rd BEI Indaba brings together multiple and diverse stakeholders in the biodiversity economy, including the hunting and game farm sectors and the bioprospecting, natural products and biotrade industries. – SANews.gov.za

Source: South Africa News Agency

Phumudzo Maphaha has been appointed at the new Presiding Inspector over the Grayston Drive Pedestrian and cyclist structural bridge collapse inquiry.

Department of Labour Chief Inspector: Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), Tibor Szana, made the announcement on Thursday.

Maphaha, who will take over from Lennie Samuel, who has been presiding since the Inquiry was set up, previously presided over the Tongaat Mall Structural Collapse Inquiry and the Meyersdal Structural Collapse Incident Inquiry.

Szana said unfortunately, Samuel has taken ill and is no longer in a position to continue presiding over the Inquiry.

“I have subsequently appointed Mr Maphaha as the presiding inspector to take over from Mr Samuel due to the gravity of his illness,” Szana said.

The Grayston Drive Pedestrian and cyclist structural bridge collapse inquiry was announced by the Department of Labour in 2015.

The Section 32 hearing was set up by the Department of Labour to investigate negligence that may have resulted in occupational injuries and deaths of people.

This followed a 14 October 2015 incident which happened at approximately 15:25 and led to the death of two people and injury to 19 persons.

The Grayston Inquiry had its first sitting in February 2016. The inquiry last held its sitting on 27 September 2017 and was postponed to July 2018.

The Grayston Drive Pedestrian and cyclist structural bridge collapse Inquiry was set up to investigate the following:

• The responsibility of the client in terms of construction regulations;
• The responsibility of the principal constructor in terms of the construction regulations and as an employer;
• The responsibility of the agent on behalf of the client in terms of the same regulations;
• Supplier of materials; and
• Design.

Stakeholders in the inquiry include: the Johannesburg Municipality as the Client, Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) as the Agent, Royal HaskoningDHV an Engineering company appointed by JDA as the engineering agent for the project, Murray & Roberts (MR) Infrastructure – as the Principal Contractor appointed by JDA, Form-Scaff – as the contractor appointed by (MR), the people/person injured in the incident, the Engineering Council of South Africa and NUM representing employees of Murray & Roberts affiliated to the union.

To date, expert witnesses that have appeared before the inquiry include: J. M Roelf an expert witness representing Murray and Roberts, Richard Beneke, an expert witness representing Murray and Roberts, Ric Snowden, an expert witness representing Murray and Roberts, Dr. Stefanus Francois van Zyl, an expert witness representing Murray and Roberts, as well as Garry Farrow, an expert witness of Form-Scaff. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South Africa News Agency

Government has called on all South Africans and the international community to emulate the values of the first democratic President, Nelson Mandela, as the country celebrates his Centenary.

“He was a great leader who showed the world what…. [it means to be] selfless. He strived to attain peace, taught us about forgiveness, and ensured justice and equality for all,” Communications Minister Nomvula Mokonyane said in a statement on Thursday.

President Cyril Ramaphosa declared 2018 the year of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela in his State of the Nation Address.

“As the celebrations get underway, ever person should take what they have learnt from Madiba and his approach and apply it to everyday life.

“He not only believed in his values but also conveyed them in his daily life, and we need to re-live his values to keep his dream alive of a better South Africa and to make the world a better place,” Minister Mokonyane said. 

Centenary of Mama Albertina Sisulu

This year, the country also celebrates the centenary of Mama Albertina Sisulu, who dedicated her life to fight for the emancipation of women and the liberation of South Africa.

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we remember the sacrifices women such as Albertina Sisulu made to build a democratic society which respects and celebrates the crucial role women play in all walks of life,” the GCIS said.

GCIS said Sisulu displayed great courage and is hailed for being a unifying leader during the apartheid era.

In 1956, she was instrumental in leading around 20 000 women from across South Africa to march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria against carrying of passes by women. 

“Their act of defiance will forever be ingrained in the hearts and history of South Africa; it will forever be an example that can be passed on from one generation to the next.

“This same spirit of togetherness and unity – is one that women should embrace so that the fight for equality and empowerment continues,” Minister Mokonyane said.

Commemorative activities

A year-long series of awareness, educational, celebratory and commemorative activities will take place across the country, building up to a fully-fledged national centenary celebration day on Mandela’s birth date on 18 July 2018.

The main event will take place at Mvezo, Eastern Cape and will be led by President Ramaphosa.

“More details on the planned centenary events in honour of former President Nelson Mandela and Albertina Sisulu will be made available on www.gov.za.

“Let us unite in celebrating the father and mother of our nation and help those in need, display love to each other regardless of race, age and ethnicity. By working together we move South Africa forward,” Minister Mokonyane said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Hawks in the North West have confirmed that they conducted a search and seizure operation at the offices of the North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo. Hawks spokesperson, Captain Tlangelani Rikhotso, said the operation follows investigations in relation to alleged maladministration, fraud and corruption. The monetary value involved is… See more

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Gauteng Infrastructure Development MEC, Jacob Mamabolo, has called for law enforcement agencies to investigate and arrest those responsible for the vandalism of the Olievenhoutbosch clinic.

The clinic was vandalised on Tuesday night, with damage caused by protesters who blockaded the R55 road with burning tyres.

“This act of vandalism has a serious ripple effect for the community of Olievenhoutbosch. It is absolutely senseless and backward that people would destroy a clinic because they demand something else. A clinic like this one is an important facility for the community, especially for children and the elderly,” said MEC Mamabolo.

It is reported that a group of protesters burnt down a guardhouse, damaged a gate and stole computers. Windows and doors were also broken. The damage to the clinic is so severe that it is not operational.

“Whilst we understand the public’s right to peaceful protests, the torching and vandalism of public buildings is a crime. It is illegal, unacceptable and has to stop immediately.

“It is most unfortunate that there are still people in our communities who show no regard for facilities such as the clinic which is now not serving them,” said MEC Mamabolo.

The Gauteng Provincial government said it would work with the Moral Regeneration Movement and continue visiting various communities to raise awareness on the impact of destroying public property.

“Through the iCare We Care campaign, the DID [Department of Infrastructure Development] has been leading the charge for communities to start appreciating the importance of public infrastructure, the common heritage of society,” said the MEC.

Launched in Bekkersdal in Gauteng’s Western Development Corridor on 13 July 2016, the campaign continues to raise awareness and change how communities relate with public property such as clinics, schools, libraries and community centres, among others. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South Africa News Agency

Energy Minister Jeff Radebe says the project agreements of the 27 renewable energy Independent Power Producer Projects will be signed on Tuesday 13 March.

The Minister made the announcement when he briefed the media on Thursday.

“I am delighted to announce that the project agreements of the 27 Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Projects (REIPPP), including the power purchase agreements with Eskom, will be signed on Tuesday, 13 March 2018, with the full support of the President and my Cabinet colleagues the Ministers of Finance and Public Enterprises as well as Eskom,” he said.

The Minister said the announcement was a milestone following a protracted period of uncertainty and the signing of the agreements would be re-confirming government’s commitment not only to renewable energy, but also to a solid partnership with the private sector in pursuing government’s energy transition objectives for the future.

Minister Radebe also said that signing of the long-awaited agreements will bring much needed policy and regulatory certainty and maintain South Africa’s position as an energy investment destination of choice. 

“This initiative will enable R56 billion of new investment in the economy over the next two to three years, which will immediately contribute to growth in the economy supporting the already positive achievement of 3.1% GDP growth in the quarter four.    

“This programme, as well as the proposed future initiatives, will have a significant contribution in job creation across the energy value chain including the re-establishment of industrial development and support to the technical training of young people to be absorbed in the labour market,” he said.

Renewable energy projects to create 61 000 full-time jobs

The Minister said the renewable energy programme, which is aligned to the Paris agreement on the reduction of emissions as well as the South African environmental policy, will create thousands of jobs.

“These programmes will contribute towards competitive market pricing of electricity, both for the household consumer as well as for industrial usage. “This will be achieved firstly through the mere entrance of new and efficient market participants and secondly through the variety of sources for electricity generation. Lower electricity prices such as what we are experiencing with renewable energy generation will assist indigent households to cope with the rising cost of living.  

“In a nutshell, these projects will provide 61 600 full time jobs of which 95% is for SA citizens, mostly during plant construction specifically with a focus on youth employment.

“Northern Cape will have 59% of the jobs created, followed by Eastern Cape with 15% and North West 13% of jobs created,” the Minister said.

Black participation, community development to be prioritised

The Minister said it is anticipated that black participation is anticipated to increase not only at ownership level, but at operational level, and added that the construction and operation of the projects will eventually lead to the creation of black industrialists.

“The Renewable Energy Programme is embracing local community development as well as socio-economic and enterprise development.

“Local community shareholding (equity share) in the 27 projects amounts to 7.1% (or R1.6 billion). The local community shareholders for the 27 projects will receive R5.9 billion net dividends over the 20 year lifetime of the projects. This will have a substantial positive impact on the living standard of the communities around these projects. Communities through Community Trusts have full control over how the money will be spent in their areas,” he said.

The Minister also said the IPPs will enable local communities to further benefit directly from the investments attracted to the areas through the R9.8 billion to be spent on socio-economic development initiatives and R3.4 billion to enterprise development over the 20 year lifetime of the project agreements.

“As part of the bid obligations, the Bid Window 3.5 and 4 Preferred Bidders have made commitments in five categories, namely, education and skills development, social welfare, healthcare, general administration and enterprise development. The majority of the money will be spent in these local communities around the projects and will involve women-owned small businesses. It will also ensure youth participation and development, whether through skills transfer and training, bursaries and/or the establishment of small businesses,” he said.

Minister instructs IPP office to sign outstanding Small Producer Programme agreements

The Minister said, meanwhile, that he has requested the IPP office to engage in the preparations to finalise all outstanding requirements for the signing of the 20 projects under the Small Renewable Programme [projects between 1MW and 5 MW], which will have a substantial impact on a different market segment and contribute to creation of small businesses.

“This will immediately ensure a R2.7 billion investment in this part of the economy.

“To be noted is that our Development Finance Institution, the DBSA and the German Development Finance Institution KfW, have established access to affordable funds in support of the participation of small businesses in the green economy and therefore the Small Renewable Energy programme. We want to thank them for working with the Government and for their willingness in growing this very important market.”

The Minister also said that he has requested the IPP Office to ensure a more equal distribution of the benefits to the communities specifically the distribution of the dividends by analysing and creating a better and more efficient structure for this purpose.

“To sign the two projects under Coal IPP Programme as well as the 19 projects procured under the Renewable Energy Expedited Bid Window, which will be announced in due course.

“Together this will achieve a further R103 billion of investment in the economy with substantial foreign direct investment.” – SAnews.gov.za